Discover the icy wonders of Greenland and cross the Arctic circle on this 8-day expedition cruise which takes in magical fjords, calving glaciers and remote towns. Cruise past giant icebergs in Disko Bay, look out for whales and other marine life breaching the waves and sail up close to the spectacular Eqip Sermia Glacier. Explore beautiful Uummannaq, the Iceberg capital of Ilulissat, the tiny Inuit settlement of Itilleq and Sisimiut.
YEAR-ROUND TOUR: Enjoy a relaxing Reykjavik arrival day on this 8-day escorted tour, which takes in the best of Iceland's nature. Explore the famed Golden Circle to see erupting geysers, thundering waterfalls and Thingvellir National Park. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss, see the icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and enjoy an included 3-hour whale watching cruise. Depending on your seaosn of travel, enjoy an included glacier hike or ice cave tour, explore Lake Myvatn and Akureyri in the north and hike up the Grabrok volcano crater in the west of the country.
Whale watchingGeysers
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Reykjavik, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Hof, Lake Myvatn, Akureyri, Laugarbakki
25% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
YEAR-ROUND TOUR: A whistle-stop 2-day tour of some of southern Iceland's most iconic natural wonders. See the plunging waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, watch icebergs calving at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, explore a natural ice cave and stroll along the dramatic black lava beach of Reynisfjara on this tour which starts and ends in Reykjavik. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights if travelling in the darker winter months.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Vatnajökull, Hof
Reykjavik, Vatnajökull, Hof
25% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Get ready to explore Iceland’s most stunning sights on this unforgettable journey from west to east. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, where you’ll immerse yourself in Icelandic history, culture, and cuisine. Next, venture to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula—an otherworldly landscape of jagged coastlines, glacier tongues, black pebble beaches, ancient lava fields, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. In Borgarfjörður, marvel at natural wonders like Hraunfossar waterfall and Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. Explore the historic village of Reykholt, learn about medieval poet Snorri Sturluson, and choose between relaxing in the Krauma geothermal baths or visiting the family-run Sturlureykir horse farm. Continue to the famous Golden Circle, where you’ll witness Thingvellir National Park’s rift valley, the roaring Gullfoss waterfall, and the erupting Strokkur geyser. Travel along the scenic South Coast to visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the dramatic black sands of Reynisfjara Beach. One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where shimmering icebergs drift across the water before washing ashore at the nearby Diamond Beach. You’ll also have the chance to explore a natural ice cave inside Vatnajökull glacier or visit the Katla Ice Cave—an unforgettable experience available even in summer. Your adventure wraps up with a stop at the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, and a drive through moss-covered lava fields and alongside snow-capped mountains as you return to Reykjavik—completing your epic Icelandic summer journey !
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Get ready to uncover Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes on this incredible tour. Your adventure kicks off in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, where you’ll immerse yourself in Icelandic history, culture, and gastronomy. From here, you’ll visit the three iconic attractions of Golden Circle - Þingvellir National Park, the geothermal wonders of the Geysir hot spring area and iconic Gulfoss waterfall, after which you’ll head towards the Southern Coast of Iceland. After visiting Skogafoss, you’ll tick off Vatnajökull glacier, Iceland's highest peak Hvannadalshnúkur, Skaftafell, and the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Next, you’ll continue your journey towards the East Fjords, stopping at Egilsstaðir, the picturesque town on the banks of the Lagarfljót River, and at the Wilderness Centre. Continue the journey around picturesque Lake Mývatn towards Akureyri, stopping at the stunningly beautiful Goðafoss Waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods." From there, you’ll journey west to Borgarfjörður, where you’ll witness the impressive Deildartunguhver hot spring and the stunning Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Next, explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, with highlights including the striking black sands of Djúpalónssandur beach and the remains of the British trawler Epine.The tour concludes as you return to Reykjavik, wrapping up this unforgettable journey through Iceland’s natural wonders.
SUMMER TOUR: Join us for an unforgettable 17 day adventure through Iceland’s breath-taking landscapes. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of majestic volcanoes, vast lava fields, soothing hot springs, towering mountains, tranquil fjords, shimmering glaciers, and powerful waterfalls. With three days to explore Reykjavik at your own pace. This tour combines our popular Iceland Circle and Westfjords of Iceland tours, offering an unparalleled exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes. Discover the hidden and well-known wonders of Iceland on this remarkable journey.
Our South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic itinerary is designed for travelers seeking to explore the majestic fjords, glaciers and mountains of South Greenland. This itinerary offers guests one–of–a–kind excursions exclusive to Quark Expeditions—some of them only made possible by our newest ship, the technologically–advanced Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin–engine helicopters. On this journey, you can be as active as you like, or you can opt for more relaxing, immersive experiences. Developed in partnership with local communities—a first of its kind in expedition travel—this itinerary offers unprecedented opportunities to explore the majesty of South Greenland’s diverse fjordlands. Ultramarine’s two helicopters will take you to areas in South Greenland that others can’t reach, especially for off–ship excursions. Some of these, such as our Heli Hiking and the Greenland Ice Sheet Experience, are included for all guests, who can also enjoy hikes, community visits and Zodiac cruises. This voyage—accessible to guests of all fitness levels—offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in soaking up the serene mountain views, sailing through the icebergs on a Zodiac cruise, or trying optional activities such as heli–hiking or camping in style on the shores of Tasermiut Fjord with local hosts.
Cruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Ship Cabin, Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Toronto, Reykjavik, Nuuk, Easter
Toronto, Reykjavik, Nuuk, Eastern Greenland, West Greenland
26% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Witness the raw beauty of Iceland in full on this immersive adventure, which starts with world-renowned natural wonders, before heading away from the crowds. First up is the understandably popular Golden Circle, before we circumnavigate the island to visit landscapes well away from the typical tourist track. Stark coastlines, immense glaciers and the Eastern Fjords await, as do the dramatic landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – a highlight for many, but far too often missed.
Picking your dates: Choose between the frozen landscapes of winter, with the chance to witness the Northern Lights, and the endless days of summer with 24-hour daylight.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Opportunities to witness a total solar eclipse are rare. Your chances of experiencing one in the Arctic—from the deck of a polar ship—are even more rare considering the last total solar eclipse north of the Arctic Circle occurred in 2015. The next will take place on August 12, 2026.To satisfy the demand of eclipse-watchers, this longer voyage has been introduced on one of Quark's newest ships, Ocean Explorer. Covering 2,200 nautical miles in total—this expedition features your bucket-list eclipse adventure, time to explore Northeast and South Greenland, plus you get to check off two of the world’s northernmost capital cities: the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik (64°08′ north), where you’ll have time to explore, and Nuuk, Greenland (64°11′ north), where we disembark for our charter flight back to Reykjavik.
World-renown eclipse-cartographer Michael Zeiler will be onboard to deepen your understanding of eclipse-viewing, observational astronomy and celestial mechanics. Of course, you’ll also get to witness waterfalls, towering cliffs and remote fishing villages in the Westfjords, a hidden gem of Iceland, as well as icebergs, wilderness areas, glaciers, and the deep fjords of Greenland.
Special guest Michael Zeiler: The highly respected author, geographer and eclipse cartographer is a member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses – with an asteroid named in his honour. Zeiler has been witnessing solar eclipses since 1991 and was among the first to develop eclipse maps online.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Northeast Greenland N
Reykjavik, Northeast Greenland National Park, Northeast Greenland National Park, Westfjords, Denmark Strait
In the seldom-visited Westfjords of Iceland − ‘Iceland’s best-kept secret’ − you explore the rugged peninsula of fjords, towering mountains, bird-dwelling cliffs, gushing waterfalls and rolling green hills. Before leaving Iceland, you can also visit the private island sanctuary of Vigur, home to 7,000 eider ducks and 100,000 puffins. In East Greenland, after sailing the length of Ikerasassuaq (Prins Christian Sund), immerse yourself in spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes, culturally rich communities, and Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Together, we explore − by ship, Zodiac, kayak and on foot − some of the longest fjords in Greenland, such as Eternity, Kangerlussuaq and Tasermiut. With the help of expert guides, you also learn about Norse and Viking cultures, traditional Icelandic ways of life, as well as contemporary Greenlandic customs.
Iceland, the mystical island nation sculpted by fire and ice, is popular for its thunderously cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, geysers spontaneously erupting in full furies of steam, stunning shorelines dotted with fishing villages, expansive glaciers, rarely-visited wild places, and hard-to-reach coastal areas of breathtaking splendor.
Most visitors have confined themselves to very established tourist routes, largely by automobile, and thus have limited their experience of Iceland.
That’s the challenge we presented to our team of innovators: how can you do it all on a trip through Iceland? How can you authentically explore the entire country, take in all of its main attractions—while also exploring the rarely-visited side of Iceland?That kernel of inspiration led to the creation of our 12–day Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers and Volcanoes, which enables us to take travelers around the entire island—a complete circumnavigation starting and ending in Reykjavik—and explore by small polar ship, Zodiac, coach bus, kayak and helicopter.
The genesis for this adventure dates to November 24, 2003, the day Quark Expeditions became the first operator to successfully lead a total solar eclipse voyage in remote Antarctica.
On that day, we provided 100 people, from 17 different nations, the experience of becoming the first-ever humans to witness a total solar eclipse in Antarctica. Now we’ve decided to achieve a comparable feat in the Arctic. However, with innovation as our DNA, we set out to make it distinct from any other eclipse-viewing experience in the industry.
We’ve assembled a taskforce of eclipse experts, a meteorologist and members of our Expedition Team to research the geography, terrain, angles of the sun, and Arctic weather patterns to prepare for one of the rarest experiences on the planet – observing a total solar eclipse in the High Arctic.
In addition, you’ll discover the natural wonders of the Westfjords – the unsung wonder of West Iceland. Our journey also takes us into the immense Northeast Greenland National Park, where we cruise the 70mi (110km) King Oscar Fjord. You’ll also get to unleash your inner adventurer on thrilling heli-flightseeing adventures over remote Greenland on Ultramarine’s state-of-the-art helicopters.
Special Guests
David Baron: The veteran science journalist, broadcaster and umbraphile – who has witnessed nine total solar eclipses across the globe – is also the author of the award-winning American Eclipse: A Nation’s Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World. Baron has travelled to every continent and more than 50 countries for work and pleasure.
Michael Zeiler: The highly respected author, geographer and eclipse cartographer is a member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses – with an asteroid named in his honour. Zeiler has been witnessing solar eclipses since 1991 and was among the first to develop eclipse maps online.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Scoresbysund, Westfjo
Reykjavik, Scoresbysund, Westfjords, Northeast Greenland National Park, King Oscar Fjord
Our Icelandic Adventure is filled with iconic experiences that highlight the very best of the region. We have included comfort admission into the famous Blue Lagoon, renowned for its rejuvenating geothermal waters and a natural wonder of the world. Next on your list is a guided excursion into the natural ice caves of Katla. You will embark on a beautiful and exciting super jeep ride to the secret area of one of 13 glaciers where you'll take a short walk through an amazing glacier area towards the natural ice cave - an experience like no other!
Also included within your Icelandic Adventure is entry to Hvammsvik Hot Spring Baths. Away from the crowds, you can enjoy 8 hot springs right on the Atlantic ocean, with water levels and temperatures fluctuating with the tides. Depending on the time of year, we include a Northern Lights by Boat Tour or a Whale Watching Tour. Sail away from the coastline of Reykjavik with a local guide in search for the amazing natural phenomenon that are the Northern Lights. Alternatively, on your guided whale watching tour from Reykjavik, you have the incredible opportunity to see minke and humpback whales, porpoises and dolphins.
Amongst all the above, you will also have the opportunity to drive the iconic Golden Circle route where you can visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Thingvellier National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and the spectacular glacial waters of Gullfoss Waterfall. Whilst staying in Borgarfjordur within Western Iceland, you can explore the nearby Snaefellsnes, often referred to as 'Iceland in miniature' because of the wealth and diversity of its natural features. The coastline here is adorned with white and black sand beaches including Ytri-Tunga beach where you can observe its year-round seal colony.
Your trip begins and ends in the bustling city of Reykjavik; we recommend adding extra nights here should you want more time to explore the capital.
